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Bates named FWAA Freshman All-American

Image: Penn State Athletics

Bates named FWAA Freshman All-American

January 11, 2017

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Freshman offensive lineman Ryan Bates was selected to the Football Writers Association of American (FWAA) team Monday. He was also selected as a Freshman All-American by USA Today and claimed spots on the All-Big Ten freshman team from BTN.com and ESPN.com.

Bates was a stalwart on the offensive line as one of two players (Brian Gaia) to start every game. He opened the season at left guard before sliding over to left tackle for the final four-plus games due to injuries to his fellow linemen.

The native of Warrington, Pennsylvania helped the Nittany Lion offense set multiple records this season and open up holes for Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley and Big Ten Championship Game MVP Trace McSorley. The Nittany Lions broke the program record for total offense (6,056), points (526; tied with 1994 team), passing yards (3,650) and passing touchdowns (29). Penn State finished fifth in FBS in passing yards per completion (16.15), 14th in team passing efficiency (156.6), 36th in passing offense (260.7) and 49th in total offense (432.6).

Penn State is one of 11 schools to have a 3,500-yard passer (McSorley) and 1,000-yard rusher (Barkley) in FBS this season. Barkley finished 14th in FBS with 1,496 rushing yards, 21st in all-purpose yards per game (140.86) and seventh in rushing touchdowns (18). McSorley broke the Penn State record for passing yards (3,614), passing touchdowns (29) and total offense (3,979). McSorley also led FBS in passing yards per completion (16.13).